communicating on the seascape

alpha. bravo. charlie. delta. echo. foxtrot. golf. hotel. india. juliet. kilo. lima. mike. november. oscar. papa. quebec. romeo. sierra. tango. uniform. victor. whiskey. xray. yankee. zulu.

International maritime flags have fascinated me ever since Shout Out Louds used them on the cover for their second album – Our Ill Wills.

album cover

Each flag represents not only a letter of the alphabet and can be used to send messages letter by letter, but each flag also has a standard meaning. A personal favorite is the x flag which carries this message: "Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals."

the x flag (xray)

The flags are not only functional but their use of bright colors as well as simple geometric shapes and patterns are quite appealing and have served as inspiration for much of today's fashion. I am quite fond of the n flag and the y flag.

n flag (november) and y flag (yankee)

There are other specific types of maritime flags including ensigns, jacks, rank flags, and pennants. A Gin Pennant is flown on board when the wardroom of a ship is offering drinks to officers from other ships. Selfish officers choose its location and position carefully as their aim is to be hospitable, but have as few ships see the flag as possible leaving more alcohol for their own consumption. Tricky junior officers in the Royal Australian Navy have been known to hoist the Gin Pennant on other ships in order to get their hands on a free cocktail. Cheeky bastards.

gin pennant.